CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. — The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) Chapter 40-3 Southern Maryland held its annual Santa Run event on Dec.14, 2024, uniting the community to support veterans at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.
The Santa Run, a tradition for the organization, invites residents to donate holiday wish-list items, offering a heartfelt way to give back to those who served the nation. This year’s event featured a festive motorcycle procession led by “Motorcycle Santa” and his elves, with stops across neighborhoods and various locations in Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties.
The event saw an outpouring of generosity from the community. “We had a HUGE outpouring of support from people giving cash donations on the spot,” said Amanda Bettencourt, an auxiliary member of CVMA Maryland Chapter 40-3. “In total, we raised $3,000 prior to the event and purchased items off the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home resident’s Christmas wish list. We received $150 in gift cards from LongHorn Steakhouse. Mission BBQ donated 20 boxed lunches to our riders and chapter members during the event. We collected an additional $1,065 cash/Venmo donations.”
Charlotte Hall Veterans Home expressed their gratitude on Facebook, writing, “Thank you for your consistent support of our veterans and their spouses. Wishing you all (even Mr. Grinch) a Merry Christmas!”
The CVMA Maryland Chapter 40-3 is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting U.S. veterans and their families. Donations collected during the Santa Run are tax-deductible, with 100% of contributions going directly to the residents of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.
Learn more about the event in this article: Giving Back To Veterans: A Behind-The-Scenes Look At The Santa Run Event
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